National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What is the term for a counselor showing constant acceptance and caring towards a client?

1. Empathy

2. Congruence

3. Unconditional Positive Regard

4. Displacement

The correct answer is: Unconditional Positive Regard

The term that describes a counselor demonstrating constant acceptance and caring towards a client is known as Unconditional Positive Regard. This concept, introduced by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the importance of providing support and acceptance to clients without any conditions or judgments. It creates a safe and supportive environment that enables clients to explore their thoughts and feelings freely, fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship. When counselors embody Unconditional Positive Regard, they allow clients to feel valued and accepted regardless of their actions or history. This approach is crucial for encouraging personal growth and self-acceptance, as clients are more likely to engage openly in the therapeutic process when they feel supported unconditionally. While empathy reflects the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, and congruence refers to the authenticity and alignment of a counselor's feelings, thoughts, and actions, neither of these concepts conveys the same level of unwavering acceptance as Unconditional Positive Regard. Displacement, on the other hand, is a psychological defense mechanism unrelated to the therapeutic process.